Mary Ann Kennedy, commissioned by Watercolour Music

About the commission

‘Aiseag’ (The Ferryboat) is connection. A lifelong fascination creates a journey between the Highlands and Canada’s Gaelic diaspora. Electronica and found sound, Cape Breton and Scottish Highland musicians, a Gaelic choir and a Glasgow string section all aboard with composers Mary Ann Kennedy and Scott Macmillan, audio designer Nick Turner and poet, Aonghas MacNeacail.

“I am extremely excited to be collaborating with Mary Ann, Nick and writer Aonghas MacNeacail for the New Music Biennial, exploring cultural connections that are ferried between the Celtic diaspora of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and the Celtic nations of the UK. The project will also fulfil a personal ambition to create new music for contemporary Gaelic writing.” Scott Macmillan, Nova Scotia, Canada, composer/guitarist

“We hope that ‘Aiseag’ for the New Music Biennal will help inspire an understanding of two sister cultures within the Commonwealth, rooted in part in the dramatic landscape that surrounds our Watercolour Music studios in Highland Scotland. It continues our ongoing passion for the connections between language, music, people, land – and of course, sea.” Nick Turner, Director, Watercolour Music

More about the composer

Mary Ann Kennedy is one of the most highly-respected performers on the Scottish music scene, championing the place of Scotland’s burgeoning contemporary talent in the global roots firmament. Also in demand as a music producer, she has produced albums for many other singers and musicians. Her work is based at the residential recording studios and creative retreat developed by herself and husband Nick Turner at Watercolour Music in the Scottish West Highlands.

She is a double Mòd Gold Medallist at Gaeldom’s premier festival of language and music, and twice winner of the Concours International de la Harpe Celtique in Lorient, France. She is the recipient of a Saltire Award for her groundbreaking Gaelic choral work, ‘Lasair Dhè’, and continues to work with the award-winning Còisir Ghàidhlig Inbhirnis (Inverness Gaelic Choir).

Mary Ann was a member of the highly-acclaimed Gaelic band ‘Cliar’, winners of ‘all-time’ Best Album at the inaugural Scots Trad Music Awards. Her current work concentrates on an album project, ‘Fonn’, showcasing the music and history of her mother’s family.